BREA Talks: Recent Episodes
City of Brea
Listen in on thought-provoking conversations on important topics facing local government. Learn from industry experts as they share their experiences, reveal best practices and envision future opportunities. The ideas and topics are endless, so stay tuned.
Listen in as Mayor Blair Stewart and Brea’s Executive Staff present the 2025 State of the City. City Manager Kristin Griffith and Administrative Services Director Monica Lo talk about the recent businesses opening in Brea, as well as the city budget, put together by an award winning Finance Division (1:57). New Fire Chief Dan Mielke and Chief of Police Adam Hawley discuss the proactive steps being taken in expanding life saving services (6:38) and crime reduction (10:30). Assistant City Manager and Community Development Director Jason Killebrew gives an update on progress toward diverse housing options in the City (15:58), while Public Works Director Michael Ho reminds residents about the renewed street sweeping enforcement as well as the new organics recycling program (19:48). Lastly, Community Services Director Carrie Hernandez shares about the continued success of the HOPE Center and celebrates the 50th anniversary of Brea’s Art in Public Places program (22:59).
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker welcomes back Lieutenant Chris Harvey of the Brea Police Department to talk about electric bikes, also known as e-bikes. Learn about the origins of laws geared towards this newer tech (0:53), what Brea PD is focused on when encountering e-bikes in public (2:03), the different classes of e-bikes and what prospective e-bike shoppers can expect from each of them (3:31), what public and shared spaces e-bikes are legally allowed to be ridden in (9:42) and what educational opportunities are out there for Brea Olinda students and also e-bike violators (11:11).
For more information, visit CityofBrea.gov/EBikes
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker sits back down with the Brea Public Works Department’s Recycling Team, Francesca Vivanti & Destiny Garcia, this time to talk about the new Organic Recycling program now in affect. Hear a little history on Organic Recycling in the State of California (1:47), find out what is and is not considered eligible for your organic waste bin (5:43) - with some significant common misconceptions (13:57), how multi-family units and businesses are able to participate in the organics program (18:45), and tips and tricks on how to make your organic recycling habits easier (24:19).
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker talks trash with the Brea Public Works Department’s Recycling Team, Francesca Vivanti & Destiny Garcia. In part one of this two part topic, learn about the history behind recycling legislation and efforts (2:44), common misconceptions that lead to “wish-cycling” (7:36), what happens to your recyclables once they leave your property (14:37), and what happens if we don’t properly sort our waste (17:33).
For more information visit CityofBrea.gov/RecycleBrea
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker concludes his conversation with the Brea Building and Safety team (and Friends) as they discuss in detail the process of opening and/or moving a business into the City of Brea. Rounding out this three part series on the heels of Building and Safety Month, learn about the steps involved with commercial projects from checking in with the Planning Division (4:25), submitting your project application to Building and Safety (10:32), who looks at your plans and what they’re looking for (11:25), and the final steps in this process to finally get your project across the finish line (22:27).
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker continues his conversation with the Brea Building & Safety team, this time discussing the various nuances of residential projects. Learn from Alexis Mendicino and Rogelio Cortes what residential building codes are hiding in plain sight (2:25), the process of putting in a major project like an ADU (6:53) and what the most common misconceptions are regarding residential construction projects and the process involved with them (14:01).
For more information visit the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, Call 714-990-7601 or Email Building@CityofBrea.gov
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
May is Building & Safety Month! Listen in on a round table discussion with Dan Fenstermaker and the City of Brea Building & Safety team about the the history of build & safety codes (5:22), why these codes are so important (9:53), and how to start the permitting process for your own project (12:22).
For more information visit the Brea Civic & Cultural Center, Call 714-990-7601 or Email Building@CityofBrea.gov
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker sits with Brea's new City Manager Kristin Griffith. Get to know Kristin a little more as we hear about her career journey and what led her to this position (3:22), what she loves to do in her spare time (5:59), and the gratitude she feels for being given this opportunity (9:02).
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker discusses various volunteering opportunities Brea offers through City sponsored programs. Brea PIO Liz Pharis talks about the annual Mayor’s Youth Award Program (1:35), Victoria Ugarte of the Brea Resource Center gives information about the Brea Volunteen Program (10:42), and Kristin Steyerman and Ashley Reid of the Brea Special Events team update us on Serve Brea, the new year-round volunteer program (16:17).
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Dan Fenstermaker has a round table discussion with members of the Brea Fire Department (Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Lisa Keyworth, Fire Marshal Nicole Pesqueira and Fire Captain Chris Marvin) about what the community should do in the event of a wildfire. Learn important terms often used during wildfire events (3:54), takeaways from the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles (17:09) and what the Brea Fire Department is doing to be proactive (19:43).
For more information visit BreaFire.gov
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Ruben Segura and Dan Fenstermaker talk with Brea staff from the Brea Fire Department, Brea Resource Center and Brea Senior Center to learn about the different opportunities to give back during the holiday season, as well as year-round. Hear about the “Fired Up for Giving” toy drive put on by the Brea Fire Department (0:57), the “Adopt-a-Family” and the “Wish Tree” programs through the Brea Resource Center, the many food distribution opportunities in Brea (3:38) and the “Angel Tree” program offered through the Brea Senior Center (10:51).
This episode of Brea talks is brought to you by the Brea Line newsletter. BREA Line is now a fully digital interactive, newsletter, sent directly to your email inbox. Here, you can stay current on city news and be among the first to register for recreational classes and programs. To view the latest issue and subscribe to the newsletter, visit cityofbrea.gov/brealine today!
Aimée Matsumoto sits down with Brea Deputy City Clerk Victoria Popescu to discuss the process, regulations and important dates of Brea’s municipal elections. Victoria gives us an inside look into when and how Brea holds its elections and what role the City Clerk’s Office plays (1:47), the critical steps, dates and deadlines throughout the election cycle (3:05), campaign contribution and political sign rules and regulations (7:40), and how, when and where to vote during the November 2024 Election (10:28).
Click here for more information.
Listen in as Mayor Christine Marick and Brea’s Executive Staff present the 2024 State of the City. City Manager Bill Gallardo and Deputy City Managers Jason Killebrew and Kristin Griffith give the latest updates regarding the Brea Mall Redevelopment Project, the City Budget (2:22), and a General Plan Update (5:04). Fire Chief Mark Terrill and Chief of Police Adam Hawley also discuss the future of public safety (6:29). Lastly, the Mayor and City Manager Gallardo give an update on the HOPE Center and its efforts to address homelessness (9:17), while Public Works Director Michael Ho shares about the progress of the Arovista Park Modernization Project (11:46).
See the entire presentation and more OnDemand on the brand new BREAtv app!
Dan Fenstermaker and Brea Chief of Police Adam Hawley analyze the evolution of technological advancements in law enforcement, and where the Brea Police Department is headed. Hear about the history of body-worn recording devices (5:33), license plate readers (11:18), the implementation of a drone program (15:44) and the creation of Brea’s Integrated Crime Center (28:17).
For more information, visit BreaPD.com
Click HERE to download the new BREAtv App!
Liz Pharis talks with Brea’s City Manager Bill Gallardo. Learn about the specific roles of Brea’s top officials and how they work together (1:37), how Brea advocates for the community at higher levels of government (6:04), how Bill got his start in public service (8:41), and what he sees as personal goals for the present and near future (14:15).
Andrea Carvajal chats with Brea Gallery Director Katie Chidester about the history of the Gallery (1:54), what goes into putting on an exhibition (3:57), how art is chosen to be shown in the Gallery (12:00), how long the process of an exhibition takes (15:01), and what makes the Made in California Exhibit so special (16:56).
Aimée Matsumoto talks with the City of Brea’s Environmental Services Coordinator Brian Ingallinera about the City’s storm drain system. Learn about when efforts to protect storm run-off began (2:27), the differences between storm drains and sewers (4:45), and what you can do to help keep our water shed healthy (7:22).
Dan Fenstermaker chats with Brea Human Resources Analyst II Michelle Munoz, as they discuss the various aspects of HR (3:40), the importance of good recruitment strategies (6:13), ever-changing workforce trends (14:45), and what to expect when applying for a position in Brea (25:13).
Liz Pharis sits down with Brea Community Services Department Deputy Director Carrie Hernandez and Senior Management Analyst Jenn Colacion. Listen in as the discuss the beginnings of public art in Brea (3:23), why it’s important to invest in the arts (7:35), Brea’s Cultural Arts Master Plan (11:42), and how to get more involved in the Brea’s Cultural Arts programs (19:52).
Aimée Matsumoto talks with Brea City Engineer Albert Espinoza about all the different Public Works divisions that affect our daily lives (3:56). Listen in as we play a game of “Is it True?” (5:11), hear about the various traffic projects going on in the city (10:58), and learn how you can get more involved (13:39).
The Brea Communications and Marketing Team sits down for a round-table discussion on all the great Brea Talks topics from the past year. From the city budget (1:33) to love Brea (4:37) to seasonal safety reminders (8:03) to how you can help the homeless population (17:06), we look back at 2023, as well as what’s ahead in 2024.
Love Brea Donations | LoveBrea.org
The HOPE Center | (657) 243-1884
Andrea Carvajal sits down with Soo Kang and Jaime Espitia to talk about the newly opened HOPE Center. Hear about its beginnings (1:50), Brea’s role in North OC Public Safety Collaborative (3:13) and how it’s all funded (6:29). Also, learn how the Brea Resource Center, Brea PD and HOPE Center are working together (8:30), how calling the HOPE Center is the best way to help those in need (9:55), and hear success stories that are already coming from this amazing effort (11:27).
To celebrate National Community Planning Month, Aimeé Matsumoto talks with Brea’s Planning Team about the history of planned communities, both globally and locally (0:59), the Brea General Plan and Housing Element (4:50), the importance of proper zoning (9:02), the future of the Brea Mall (22:07), and how to get more involved in your community’s planning process (24:47).
Liz Pharis chats with Brea’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Lisa Keyworth about the history of FEMA’s National Preparedness Month (2:04), how to get your home and your family ready for any disaster (2:50), and how knowing your evacuation plan could make all the difference in certain situations (7:41). Listen to learn how you can get alerts (23:10) and get involved to help your community (28:08).
Ruben Segura sits with Kristin Steyerman, a Supervisor in the Community Services Department. Listen in as they discuss all the various annual special events the City hosts (2:28), the rich history of Brea Fest (6:20), what it takes to juggle planning multiple events at the same time (18:07) and how you or your business can get involved (20:45).
Dan Fenstermaker talks with Brea Police Lieutenant Chris Harvey about ways to protect yourself and your property during the summer. Lieutenant Harvey explains how service call trends change during the summer months (2:40), the level of coordination involved in special events (3:31), the Volunteers in Police Service (4:50), and best practices for protecting your property whether you’re home or away (8:29).
Aimée Matsumoto sits down with Brea Fire Captain and Paramedic Justin Zuhlke to talk about ways to stay safe during the summer months. Captain Zuhlke explains best practices for friend and family gatherings with pools (2:26), the importance of learning CPR (14:38), the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke (19:25), and mitigating wildfire risks to your property through weed abatement (25:39).
Dan Fenstermaker talks with Brea Community Services Supervisor Billy Hutchinson and Curtis Theatre Manager Kris Kataoka about all the great things Brea has to offer throughout the summer. Billy breaks down how Brea handles the influx of summer staff (1:23), aquatics classes and interesting facts about the Brea Plunge (6:44), Registration (13:09), youth/adult sports, classes and other programs (18:18). Kris gives us an inside look into the Curtis Theatre (22:07), the Experience Brea Arts initiative (34:05), and special events coming this summer (39:20).
Ruben Segura sits down with Brea Resource Center Supervisor, Cesar Pacheco, as they talk about Brea's history of volunteering (1:38), important partnerships that are crucial to meeting the community's needs (3:35], the many services that the Brea Resource Center has to offer (5:30), the Love Brea city-wide day of service (9:55), and how you can get involved and volunteer in your community (14:21).
Liz Pharis chats with Brea's Administrative Services Director, Kristin Griffith, and Senior Fiscal Analyst, Alicia Brenner, about the process of constructing the City's Budget. Learn about this year-long process (3:18), who's involved in this coordinated effort (6:55), how the process has changed over the years (8:28) and what makes Brea's budget different from other cities (12:10).
The City of Brea Communications & Marketing Team sits down for a round table discussion on their different roles within the organization, (11:25) the revival of this podcast, (15:10) generating community engagement through social media and (18:00) the use of analytics to measure effective communication with the community.
Brea Community Development Director David Crabtree sits down with Principal at TRG Land Inc. Mark Rogers to discuss how Hillside design and development has evolved throughout the decades.
Brea Community Development Director David Crabtree sits down with Managing Principal at IBI Group Bill Delo to discuss how technology has increased the need to calm traffic in neighborhoods.
Brea Community Development Director David Crabtree sits down with Senior Vice President and Senior Market Officer for Regency Centers John Mehigan to discuss the trends of retail, past, present and future.
Brea Community Development Director David Crabtree sits down with Planning Director at Gensler Nate Cherry to discuss how good design concepts effect communities in positive ways.
Brea Community Development Director David Crabtree sits down with President and CEO of Jamboree Housing Laura Archuleta to discuss senior housing.